TALE XX.
THE MOTHER, THE NURSE, AND THE FAIRY.
Give me a son. The blessing sent,Were ever parents more content?How partial are their doating eyes!No child is half so fair and wise. Wak'd to the mornings pleasing care,The mother rose, and sought her heir.She saw the nurse, like one possess'd,With wringing hands, and sobbing breast. Sure some disaster has befel:Speak, nurse; I hope the boy is well. Dear madam, think me not to blame;Invisible the fairy came:Your precious babe is hence convey'd,And in the place a changeling laid.Where are the fathers mouth and nose? .The mothers eyes, as black as sloes?See here, a shocking awkward creature,That speaks a fool in every feature.
